Russell "Joe" Lowell Gochenour Jr.

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Russell "Joe" Lowell Gochenour Jr. Russell “Joe” Lowell Gochenour, Jr, 88, of Toms Brook, VA passed away February 29, 2024 at Winchester Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11:00am at Wakemans Grove Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow at Sunset View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Pastors Thomas Rowan and Deb Horst will officiate. A meal will follow the graveside back at the church. Joe was born October 18, 1935, son of the late Russell “Lowe” Lowell Gochenour, Sr. and Ollie Estelle Clark Gochenour. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his sisters, Lillian Sager and Genevieve Steppe; and brother, Virgil Gochenour. Joe balanced his professional life, the demands of farming, and being a caregiver for his aging parents. Joe's love for farming and tending to cattle was unmatched, serving as the heart and soul of his work life. Joe Gochenour was a man of many talents and his remarkable career spanned various industries including National Fruit in Winchester and Strasburg, Crockett's Feed in Woodstock, Toms Brook Lime Quarry, Blue Ridge Poultry in Edinburg, Shen-Block in Toms Brook, huckstering in Washington DC, Pines Construction in Winchester, FMC Machinery Manufacturing in Woodstock, Beatrice Milk Plant in Strasburg, and finally at his son's garage in Toms Brook. Russell “Joe” Lowell Gochenour, Jr is survived by his cherished wife of 67 years, Shirley Jean Sager Gochenour whom he married on June 3, 1956; children, Kathy Wakeman (Kenny), Terry Gochenour (Libby), Randy Gochenour (Penny), and Gloria Martin (Gary); nine grandchildren: Jeremy Wakeman, Angie Vann (Al), Brittany Gonzalez (Eric), Joshua Gochenour (Jennifer), Jamie Gochenour, Cody Gochenour (Sheryl), Stuart Wakeman, Ashleigh Rockwell (Brandon), Shannon Gochenour, seven great-grandchildren: Natalie Gochenour, Jaelynn Gochenour, Brooklynn Gochenour, Eli Gonzalez, Harper Gochenour, Levi Gochenour, and Bradley Rockwell. Pallbearers will be Buddy Horton, Danny Funkhouser, Kolton Poston, Patrick Sheering, Ray Stewart, and Peter Truban. Joe Gochenour's life serves as an inspiration to all who knew him, leaving a remarkable imprint on the industries he touched and the lives he influenced. His diverse career trajectory and commitment to farming and his family is a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication to hard work, embodying the values of resilience and versatility. He was totally devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The funeral service can be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/live/Mfmu2eBAjXo?si=MFW-6SNe7AmoXcmo In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wakemans Grove Church of the Brethren (668 Wakemans Grove Road, Edinburg VA 22824), and Strasburg Rescue Squad (156 E. Washington Street, Strasburg VA 22657). Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements are in the care of Heishman Funeral Home, Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Russell "Joe" Lowell Gochenour Jr.

October 18, 1935 - February 29, 2024